Mercedes-Benz SL400 to replace 350 model

The Mercedes-Benz SL convertible range will be fully turbocharged by the end of 2014, as the German brand replaces the SL350 model with the new twin-turbocharged SL400.

The new SL400 features the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine as is seen in the E400 and soon-to-arrive C400 models. The engine produces 245kW of power from 5250-6000rpm and 480Nm of torque from 1600-4000rpm, up from 225kW and 370Nm in the existing SL350 model, and its performance is improved as a result: 0-100km/h is despatched with in just 5.2 seconds, 0.7sec faster than the SL 350. Claimed fuel use drops from 8.3 litres per 100km to 7.3L/100km.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says the new SL400 will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2014, and that it will likely be priced closely to the current SL350, which starts from $225,000.

The company says it has no plans to amend its range further, with the SL400 to remain the entry-point below the $305,000 SL500 twin-turbo V8, $382,000 SL63 AMG twin-turbo V8 and the flagship $467,000 SL65 AMG with its twin-turbo V12.

However, the SL 63 AMG will see a power bump from its 5.5-litre twin-turbo engine from 395kW to 430kW as a result of the brand reportedly fitting the Performance Pack option as standard to all SL63 AMG models.

Full details and specifications of the SL400 will be revealed closer to its market launch.